I've seen Toyota taxis in Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Also, Toyotas are used as taxis in many other Asian countries besides Japan, and all over South America. Remember that Toyota has a very good diesel reputation too!

But look Jag is doing quite well!

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I would have to say, except for switching engines for more performance, I havent had to do anything except routine maintenance on my "240D." I have heard from many MB techs that the newer Benzes arent that great because the electronics suck. The "hardware" is great, but that's not what causes the problems. I guess we just have to expect that, because everything is going, and has been all electronically controlled for years now.

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1978 240D 4-speed converted to 5-cylinder turbo, Kevlar clutch, 2.88 rear end, nardi classico wheel, H&R springs.

Don't know about that. Just got rid of the washer and dryer we bought from sears in 1981. Both still working but the washer was developing a very small leak and I did not want to mess with it. 25 years old and only thing done where, 3 sets of washing machine hoses, washing machine timer, dryer timer, and new lint filter.
We still have the 25 year old refrigerator, every 10 years or so you have to replace the foam between the freezer and refrigerator section, that all.
BUT these are the old school appliances. Not made anymore.

Dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

As far as Mercedes goes, I am saddened by the lack a quality in the product. I fell in love with these cars as a senior in High School when the W107 came out. We got rid of the 99 E300 due to a couple of things, 9/11 and how it affected the Airline industry and my dissatisfaction with the reliability. It was to much of a shop queen.
We have been searching for a new car ( last college payment for BOTH kids in December) and I'm afraid it will be a 2007 Honda Accord. One of the top 3 cars by Consumers Report. And all the Honda products I have ever owned have all be wonderful. (88 Honda lawn mower that is still going strong. 88 Acura Legend- 5 year lease and in the shop once for a tranny cooling hose that was damage by us)
The 82 300TD becomes a classic ( 25 years old) next April so I think I'll keep it. The 560SL, I will always keep. But for a daily driver I want a new car, under warranty, and I do not intend to work on it. I'll buy the 8 year 120,000 mile extended warranty from Honda.

The classics will drive on but at a more retired state,

Dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car